From the Command Sergeant Major

I always try to figure out what I want to write about in the next Griffon. This time it’s easy because Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Moeller of the 108th Training Command (IET) recently won the Best Warrior Competition for the entire Army.

Earlier this month he was honored at the AUSA annual meeting in Washington, DC where he was recognized for ‘being the best of the best’.

Competition is not easy and you have to be mentally and physically ready to compete among the best warriors the Army and Army Reserve has to offer. It was an honor for him to stand beside Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Dan Dailey and Command Sgt. Maj. Wills as he accepted this prestigious award.

The 108th Training Command also commends Sgt. Ryan Moldovan for being selected as the Drill Sergeant of the Year.

Sgt. Moldovan was honored at Fort Eustis in September by Maj. Gen. Funkhouser and Command Sgt. Maj. Graggs of the Initial Military Training Command. Both Moeller and Moldovan have brought great credit upon themselves and their units and will spend the next year working with the Drill Sergeant Academy, TRADOC and IMT.

As I said earlier, it is not easy training for these competitions, especially as an Army Reserve Soldier. You have to manage a civilian career, family time and find the time to train for the competition. I can honestly say that I enjoy watching the Drill Sergeant of the Year and Best Warrior Competitions more than any professional sporting event because these warriors do it with pride, honor and personal courage.

They’re not getting paid millions of dollars, or any amount of money for that matter, and they’re definitely not doing it for publicity. They do it in order to bring pride to their unit and self -satisfaction knowing they’re ‘all they can be’.

If you think about it, every one of us who wears this uniform is a warrior in many ways. We’re not looking for stardom or to become rich. We do it because we love our country and know what sacrifice is all about. We’ve all made many sacrifices in our careers that cannot be comprehended by a large percentage of Americans.

As I travel around and visit the units within the 108th Training Command, I see so many outstanding individuals it’s hard to recognize every one of them. Soldiers reporting for duty early and staying late to ensure goals and objectives are met. Senior noncommissioned officers and officers dedicating their evenings and weekends to ensure they’re meeting suspense dates and completing tasks. So many outstanding individuals doing whatever it takes to ensure ‘the Army keeps rolling along’.

In my eyes and I know I’m speaking for my battle buddy, Maj. Gen. McQueen, as well, thank you for being all you can be. You are true warriors and we’re very proud that you’re a part of the 108th Training Command.

Another person we’re very proud of is Sgt. 1st Class (P) Brian Hamilton who has done an outstanding job as the Public Affairs NCOIC for the 108th Training Command and because of his experience and expertise will be assigned to HRC. He has made so many contributions to this command we cannot even count them. Hamilton has inspired us with his photos and articles over the years but the one photo that stands out is the one that was selected and won the Army Top Photo of the year. He will truly be missed.

Before I end, I recently attended a Recruiting Partnership Council. I had the pleasure of sitting down with two young Sergeants who when I asked who they are and what they do, one replied “we’re nobody”. I quickly corrected both of them because every Soldier, no matter what rank, is a very important asset to their organization and the Army and they need to know that.

I realize we have an enormous amount of things to do during Battle Assembly weekends but let’s make sure we recognize each and every Soldier and constantly remind them of their importance to the unit’s success.

Another very important topic I would like to address has to do with taking care of Soldiers. By the time this article is published, Reformation will already be in progress.

There are positions that are going away and other positions that will become very competitive. Do not get left behind because you didn’t have the training required for a promotion or a position. Make sure when offered a school or course, you jump on it. You might not get that chance again. Make sure you’re green across the board and you’ll always remain in the fast lane.